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Labour Relations and fair representation must be afforded to Gardaí – Ó Laoghaire

Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has responded
to a memo brought before the Cabinet this morning by Minister Charlie Flanagan.

The memo, a summary of the initial findings of a working
group on industrial relations within An Gardaí, will be discussed and it is
expected it will recommend Gardaí should not be allowed to strike.

The report further outlines the perceived impact on the
state of industrial action within An Garda Síochána, but Gardaí must also be
afforded fair representation.

The Cork South-Central TD said:

“Senior Garda management, which has given us the breath
tests scandal, the Templemore scandal, and the scandal of the treatment of
whistleblowers, has now produced a report that says it does not want Gardaí to
have their rights as employees of the state.

“Garda management have zero credibility with regard to this
matter and should not be considered impartial.

“The current set-up is not fit for purpose and is contrary
to the EU convention on human rights.

“Sinn Fein has produced a Bill that will allow the Garda and
Defence Force associations to become trade unions in their own right and to
apply for a trade union negotiating licence that has been denied to them by the
State to date.

“It still includes provisions which disallow strike action
by An Garda Síochána or Defence Forces associations and trade unions in the
interests of public safety. However, that should not be a bar to proper union
representation.

“The Michael O’Leary school of industrial relations is no
way to treat state employees.

“Sinn Féin intends to give voice to the representative
associations that have not been allowed to properly represent their workers,
the members of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, many of whom have
suffered greatly in recessionary times.

“The associations that are supposed to represent them do not
have the right to represent them in talks on pay and conditions. That needs to
end, which means that Ireland must come into line with other European
countries. That is why we have proposed this Bill.

“An Garda Síochána spend their careers in the service of the
people and regularly put themselves at risk to safeguard public safety. They
deserve better than a race to the bottom. They deserve proper representation to
safeguard their pay and conditions.”